How High Temperature Affects Your Solar Panel Production

How Temperature Affects Your Solar Production

Many people believe that the hotter the weather is outside, the more energy their solar panels will produce. However, this statement is actually false. Temperature and energy production are negatively correlated, meaning that as the temperature rises, the solar panels will actually decrease in efficiency. Most photovoltaic solar panels have a temperature threshold of 25 degrees Celsius (about 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Below this temperature threshold, solar panels will perform at maximum efficiency, assuming that they receive direct sunlight. However, above this threshold, solar panels will decrease in efficiency.

How drastically does high temperature inhibit my energy production?

All solar panels are built differently, so each one has a different sensitivity to temperature. Although all panels will start to lose efficiency as they reach high temperatures, the amount of efficiency that is lost will vary depending on the make and specifications of the panel. The “temperature coefficient” of the solar panel will tell us just how much the solar panel’s efficiency will decrease for an increase in temperature. For example, the “Pmax energy coefficient” of LG 315W monocrystalline solar panels is -0.38%. This means that for every degree above 25 degrees Celsius, the solar panel will lose .38% of its efficiency.

How do the popular solar panels compare?

Remember, a lower temperature coefficient is better, but keep in mind that the quality of a solar panel is based on several factors.

Solar Panel

Temperature Coefficient

Suniva Optimus Series

-0.42%

LG 315W

-0.38%

Canadian Solar 270W

-0.41%

Solarworld 320W

-0.43%

Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Panels

Polycrystalline panels tend to have lower temperature coefficients than their monocrystalline counterparts. Nonetheless, monocrystalline panels tend to be cheaper and more space efficient.

Keep Things in Perspective

You should not allow the area in which you live to affect your decision to switch to solar. If you live in a hot area, your panels may produce slightly less than they would in a cooler climate, but this difference is marginal. A resident with an LG 315W solar panel living in a climate with an average temperature of 85 degrees will only produce about 3% less energy than a resident living in a climate with an average temperature of 77 degrees. Because of the major advancements in photovoltaic technology, we can see that temperature really isn’t a major factor affecting energy production.

Testimonials from a few of our customers:

“The team at Aikyum is highly professional. They completed the jobs (installing solar panels at 3 different locations) in a timely fashion with the greatest satisfaction.”– Vraj L.

“I have been very happy with the whole experience and Aikyum will get my unbridled recommendation in the future.”– Arun Jain

“I reached out looking for someone to repair my system after a roof install and was incredibly impressed by how attentive Harina and her service tech Joey were in not only getting my system back in order but going above and beyond by contacting the manufacturer after the two inverters failed to operate. I would absolutely use them again in a heart beat, for any future solar needs. Thanks again Aikyum Solar.”– Celso G.

“Harina patiently met with us several times to help me understand the details of solar and to suggest approaches that no other bidder had proposed. Her installation team was punctual, courteous and efficient.”– Carol R.

“Working with Aikyum was extremely easy and streamlined. Harina and her team took care of everything from permitting, to HOA approvals, to final notices to the city and HOA.”– Apur L.